Taking care of your four-legged friends is a very important task for every pet parent, especially in summer. The hot months require you to give them regular showers, keep an eye on ticks and fleas and monitor their diet so that they keep cool and healthy. The role of regular grooming is very important in keeping a pet happy and healthy. Most dogs love their pamper sessions. An additional benefit of regular grooming is that any physical alteration in your pet’s appearance that requires medical treatment could become apparent while you are grooming him or her, which would not have been the case otherwise. Make an appointment for a check-up with your veterinarian if you see any lumps, bumps, or pain. To make grooming sessions enjoyable for your paw buddy, don’t forget to give them goodies and compliments. Consider taking your paw buddy to a professional groomer if you are uncomfortable with grooming them at home. If you want to keep your fur buddy clean and healthy throughout the year, here are some tips to follow at home:
Ear cleaning: You should regularly inspect the ears of your pet. Give your pet a gentle rub on the ears if they are clear of dirt and clean. Again, a little massage can help your pet form positive associations with your touch. Set up a consultation with your veterinarian if the ears are dirty, smell unpleasant, or appear to be in pain. The vet might start you on a cleaning lesson and check for parasites or diseases.
Brushing: Dental problems including gum disease and tooth decay can be avoided by regular cleaning of the teeth. Start gently to get your canine companion comfortable with the process and use a toothbrush and toothpaste made for canines.
Regardless of the type of coat your animal has, brushing and combing the coat needs to be done every day or at least several times each week. Brushing and combing help spread natural skin oils and get rid of dead hair and knots. Make sure to comb down to the skin if the coat is thick. However, exercise caution and gentleness; rushing the process will only create pain when you remove the tangles, which can cause brush burn if too much pressure is applied to the skin. On dried hair, apply a detangler to remove any knots.
Bathing: Bathing your paw buddy regularly in summer will keep them clean and reduce chances of ticks. Use a shampoo designed specifically for canines. Small animals should be supported in the tub while being bathed to prevent panic. While your pet is getting a complete body massage from the wash and rinse, before doing the final rinse, if desired, apply a conditioner and comb through the coat. All animals should be dried properly, and particularly young, elderly, or sickly pets should constantly be dried to avoid chilling.
Nail trimming: Be extremely careful so that your pet doesn’t bleed while cutting their nails. Do not panic if you unintentionally cause them to bleed. Apply pressure to the nail end for 30 seconds to stop the bleeding after applying your styptic powder to the nail’s end. With your pet, use kindness and patience. You may quickly have a calm, obedient pet if you start by daily clipping one nail on each foot and rewarding it with praise. The dewclaws should also be trimmed.
Eye washing: Use a wet towel or an eye cleaning solution that has been specially prepared to gently wipe your pet’s eyes. This aids in clearing out any discharge or dirt that could gather in their eyes. Additionally, you should routinely inspect their eyes for any indications of redness, swelling, or discharge that might point to an infection.
Fur trimming: Depending on the breed and coat type of your paw buddy, you might need to do this frequently. In warmer weather, this can keep them cool and help avoid matting. Use dog-specific clippers or scissors and take care not to nick their skin. They can also get a trim at a specialised grooming parlour.
Anal gland cleaning: An expert groomer or your veterinarian can clean the anal glands easily and this needs to be done at regular intervals. However, you should take your pet to the vet for a check-up if you see them dragging their bottom on the ground or excessively licking their anus.
Paw care: Your furry friend’s paws go through a lot of wear and tear since they serve as their primary means of propulsion. Paw maintenance on a regular basis can help avoid infections and wounds. Start by looking for any wounds, scratches, or discomfort on their paws. To keep their paw pads soft and shield them from the weather, use petroleum jelly or paw balm. Additionally, keep their nails clipped to stop them from snagging on things and hurting people.
De-shedding: It might help keep your paw buddy’s coat under control if they shed a lot. To remove any excess hair from their coat, you can use a slicker brush or a de-shedding tool. By doing this, you may lessen the amount of hair that gathers in your house and avoid matting and tangling.
Skincare: Regular grooming can help keep the skin of your pet comfortable and soothed. To help dry skin and irritation, use a soft, hypoallergenic shampoo. Your veterinarian can suggest a medicated shampoo or another therapy if your pet has a skin issue like hot spots or allergies.
Prevention of fleas and ticks: Skin irritation and anaemia are just a few of the health issues that fleas and ticks may bring on in your canine companion. To keep these pests at bay, you can use a flea and tick preventive treatment that your veterinarian suggests. The coat of your paw buddy should also be routinely checked for fleas and ticks, and any that you detect should be removed.
Massage: There are several advantages of massaging your pet, including increased circulation, lowered stress levels, and enhanced relaxation. The muscles and joints of your pet may be massaged using your hands or a massage tool. Those with arthritis or elderly canines may benefit the most from this.
Keep them smelling nice: Shampoos, sprays, and colognes are just a few examples of scented grooming items you can use to give your pet a clean, fresh smell. But make sure to select canine-specific items and stay away from anything with harsh chemicals or synthetic fragrances.